“I really don’t think this is a good idea…” Beverly stood up on the stage looking up with a concerned look on her face.
“Look, all ya have to do is shimmy around, climb up, pose a bit, then it’ll be over with. What’s the big deal?” Ike spoke around the freshly lit cigarette that dangled from his mouth.
“It looks pretty high up.” Jez chewed her bottom lip as as she wearily glanced at the makshift tree that took up the stage.
“Bev, I don’t have time to convince you. Do your damn job and be done with it.” The elk spat out as he stormed off stage, fed up with the antics of the dancer. Beverly watched Ike leave with a lump in her throat, he had been quite agitated as of late and she seemed to be taking the brunt of his frustration.
“You don’t have to be a such a lout.” Beverly muttered to herself. She stepped off the stage and made her way to the dressing room, contemplating a way to get out of this evening’s performance.
“What’s got you makin’ a bahbin?” Evelyn turned to look at Beverly, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
“Tonight’s performance. Ike wants me to climb up a tree.” Beverly sat at her vanity, staring at her frowning reflection.
“Ah jeez, I saw the darned thing. It’s gotta be at least 6 feet high!” Tanya interjected as she appeared from behind one of the courtesy curtains that marked off the changing area.
“Suga you ain’t ‘fraid of heights are ya?” A flash of worry flickered across Eve’s face.
“Not afraid, per say...more like...mildly perturbed.” Bev’s tone of voice did nothing to reassure her friends.
“Now that’s just not right! Ike can’t force you to do anything you don’t want to.” The coyote set her jaw and put her hands on her hips. Shaking her head at the injustice of the situation.
“You’re right. I can’t. But I can fire you lazy broads and find some other hoofers who know how to follow directions.” The angry voice of the elk in question startled the girls and they gave a start.
“You have no right!” Tanya stormed over to Ike and wagged her finger in his face. “You’d be in quite the pickle if you fired your best dancers!”
“This place’d go to shit without us.” Evelyn added matter-of-factly.
“I’m not gonna sit here and speculate. All’s I know is if I don’t see your smiling glamed up faces out there tonight we’re gonna have a problem.” With a pointed look at Beverly, Ike stormed out of the dressing room.
“He’s got some nerve!” Tanya started pacing.
“What’s got his tie in a twist?” The polecat scoffed and went back to primping.
“Girls, just let it go.” The leopard didn’t really have the strength to continue arguing. She resigned to the fact that she would just have to brave it out on stage tonight and climb up that tree.
-------------------------------
“You know darned well, baby. I can't give you anything but love!” Evelyn finished her song to as eager crowd as she took a bow and sauntered off stage in her skivvies. Beverly’s heart started racing as the M.C. introduced her act. The stage roustabouts dragged the huge tree onto the stage. The crowd died down as all interests were piqued.
The sound of drums echoed, a few rain sticks added to the jungle vibe. Now all eyes in the club were glued to the stage, eager to see this new routine. Beverly stepped out on stage dressed in a grass skirt and basketweave corset. She had a large headdress on that was adorned with colorful parrot feathers and she held a spear in her hand. The crowd went wild.
Their cheers only grew as Beverly danced around on stage, swaying her hips and blowing kisses into the throng. As the beating of drums sped up she ascended the large tree, making an effort to keep a smile on despite the fact that she was shaking with fear. Once she had shimmied out on a limb she struck a pose for the finale. The music came to a stop, but Jezebel was still clinging onto the limb for dear life. The crowd's cheering died down and dragged into an uncomfortable silence. After what seemed like an eternity Ike rushed out on stage, he tried to maintain a cheerful disposition as he looked up at Beverly.
“Bev, you can come down now for Christ's sake.” He said through clenched teeth.
“No, I can't.” Beverly answered her voice wavering. Ike had to refrain from stomping his hoof in anger.
“Quit playing around and get your ass down here. Tanya is up after you, and quite frankly I've had enough of your nonsense.” Ike all but growled.
“Isaac, I'm serious. I can't get back down.” Beverly let out a little whimper. “I'm stuck.”
Ike’s eyes widened and he motioned for the stagehands to come and drag the tree back behind the curtain. The crowd let out a chorus of chuckles as they watched a frightened Beverly try to stay upright while clinging to the branch. It was hardly the highlight of Bev's dancing career.